Page 34 of Mistletoe Mistake
“I think we’ve made a mistake, Hols.”
I think we’ve made a mistake, Hols.
“What?” I push him away and step back until I hit the table. “What the hell do you mean, you think we’ve made a mistake?” The words sting my tongue as I force them out.
“This could ruin everything, Holly. Nothing will ever be the same if we do this. No matter what, it all changes.”
“You chickenshit.” I shake my head in disbelief. “We have been talking about this all along. Telling him was always the plan and now you decide you’re scared of losing your little buddy?” I can’t stop my sneer, the pain of rejection making me cruel.
“You want to pretend it was a mistake? Blame it on the mistletoe?” I yell. “Is that what you want?”
“No. Jesus.” He pulls out a chair and slumps down onto it. “I want you.”
I can barely hear him over the noise outside this room, so I move to sit beside him.
He reaches over and drags my chair until it’s right beside his. Cupping my face, he brings his forehead to mine. “I want you. I loveyou.”
Now? He tells me he loves menow?
“Then what thefuckare you doing?” I ask, quietly.
“I got spooked.”
I start to pull away, but he stops me.
“No, hear me out. You guys have been my second family for as long as I can remember. Talking to Brandon made me realize that I don’t want to lose that. I thought I was being noble or some bullshit. Thought I was doing it for you, but it was me. The second we tell him, I could lose something that is important to me.”
“Do you really think he’s going to be that angry?”
“I would be, if it was my sister.”
“Yes, but Brandon is a much better person than you.”
He pulls away laughing.
“One hundred percent true. But he warned me off once, and he was serious.”
“Then fuck Brandon, because he should know better than to involve himself in my business.”
“He just wants the best for you, Holly.”
“I get to decide what’s best for me. Not Brandon. Not you.Me. Do you understand?”
“Okay.” He kneads the back of his neck and stands. “We should get back out there before someone notices we’re missing.”
“Just a second. We’re not done yet.”
“Really?” He tugs on his collar uncomfortably. “I was kind of hoping that was it.”
“Sit your ass down, O’Connor.”
“So fucking bossy,” he mutters under his breath, smirking at me and taking a seat.
“I need to know you’re in this, Nick.” I swallow hard, already nervous about his response. “It’s got nothing to do with my brother or my parents. It’s about us. Because I… I love you, too, but if you’re going to get‘spooked’.” I roll my eyes. “Every time something tough comes up, then we can’t do this. I won’t put myself through that. Not even for you.”
The room is silent and dread settles deep in my stomach. I’m about to get up and walk out, taking his silence for my answer, when he suddenly stands and pulls me up with him.
Wrapping his arms around me, he holds me close. “I solemnly swear I will never get spooked again.”
